The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved five airlines to airlift Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Thursday, the commission said the selection followed a screening and evaluation exercise conducted by its aviation screening committee.
The approved airlines are Air Peace Limited, Flynas, Max Air Limited, Saudi Air and UMZA Aviation Services Limited.
NAHCON said the selection was based on the airlines’ compliance with regulatory safety standards, operational capacity and financial requirements.
The commission added that the engagement of the selected carriers remains subject to the execution of airlift agreements with NAHCON and compliance with the requirements of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
According to the commission, passenger allocations and airlift schedules will be determined in consultation with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and the approved airlines.
NAHCON also directed the carriers to comply with all Hajj 2027 regulations, including the issuance of tickets linked to pilgrims’ Nusuk-Masar data and adherence to prescribed safety standards.
Under the regulations, each pilgrim will be allowed one checked bag weighing up to 32kg and one hand luggage weighing up to 8kg.
The commission urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the approved airlines to ensure a safe, seamless and comfortable airlift operation for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2027 Hajj.
